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Drug Reference

Intraperitoneal (IP) Therapy for Cancer

Intraperitoneal (IP) therapy is a treatment for cancer in the stomach. Chemotherapy (chemo) is put directly into the stomach. Chemo is medicine to kill cancer cells. IP therapy is often done with other treatments. These may include surgery or chemo given through a vein.

How IP therapy works

Chemo is dripped through a tube into the peritoneal space. This is the space between the muscles and organs in the stomach. The chemo stays inside the space for a few days. It comes into contact with the tissues inside your stomach. This lets the chemo directly affect the cancer cells. This kills cancer cells in the stomach and helps shrink tumors there.

Getting a peritoneal port

Before receiving IP therapy, a peritoneal port needs to be placed. This is a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. One end of the catheter is in the peritoneal space. The other end of the catheter is attached to a wider piece of tube that stays outside the body. IP therapy is injected through the port. The procedure to put in a port takes about 1 to 2 hours. It is done 2 to 14 days before IP treatment is given.

Having IP therapy

You lie down on a table. An IV line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line supplies fluids and medicines. A topical anesthetic is put on your port site. A special needle with a tube attached is put into your port. Chemo is dripped through the tube into the port and goes into your stomach. You may feel some cramping in your stomach while the chemo is dripped in. You will be asked to move from side to side to make sure the fluid spreads throughout your stomach. Receiving the chemo can take about 2 to 4 hours. The chemo stays in your body for a few days, then is slowly absorbed by the body.

After IP therapy

Because IP therapy adds fluid to your stomach, you will have a feeling of pressure and bloating. It may help if you walk around after treatment, or sit upright. Wear comfortable clothing with a stretchy waistband for the next few days. As the fluid is absorbed by your body, you may need to urinate more often. You may also be told to drink a lot of fluids during this process.

Possible side effects of IP therapy

Chemo medicines are used during this treatment. So the side effects of this treatment are similar to those of chemo. Side effects will depend on the type of chemo given, but can include:

Tiredness

Mouth sores

Itchy, dry skin

Changes in skin color

Hair loss

Changes in or loss of nails

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Loss of sexual desire

Bleeding problems

Easy bruising

Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the side effects you might expect and how to manage them.

Call the healthcare provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

Redness, swelling, or worsening pain around the port site

Unexplained bleeding

Extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better between treatments

Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Rapid, irregular heartbeat; chest pain

Dizziness, lightheadedness

Constant feeling of being cold

A cut or rash that swells, turns red, feels hot or painful, or begins to ooze

Any other signs or symptoms indicated by your healthcare provider

Checking your progress

During the course of your treatment, you’ll have routine visits with your healthcare provider. You may also have tests. These allow your healthcare provider to check your health and response to the treatment. After treatment ends, you and your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment results. You’ll also discuss whether you need additional cancer treatments.

Risks and possible complications of IP therapy

These include:

Infection

Failure to slow growth of or kill cancer cells

Damage to healthy tissue and organs

Infertility

Your healthcare provider will tell you about other risks that may apply to you.